Calestano
Welcome to the Province of Parma: a Journey through Nature and History
If you are looking for a destination to experience the natural wonders and Italian history, the Province of Parma is the perfect choice for you. With a population exceeding 450,000 inhabitants, the province is the fourth largest in Emilia-Romagna and offers visitors a range of attractions and natural beauties. The province is located in northern Italy, bordering Lombardy to the north, Reggio Emilia to the east, Tuscany and Liguria to the south, and Piacenza to the northwest.
Physical Geography
The territory of the Province of Parma is divided into three main areas: the plain, the hills, and the mountains. The plain area is delimited by the River Po, while the main cities of the hill and mountain areas are located along the course of the main rivers that descend from the Parmense Apennines flowing from south to north and flowing into the Po.
Watercourses
The most important watercourses in the province are the River Taro and the streams Parma, Ceno, Baganza, and Stirone. They are the heart of the provincial natural beauty, flowing silently through hills and mountain peaks. Other important watercourses that cross the province are the streams Enza and Ongina and the River Arda.
Peaks
The Province of Parma has some of the highest peaks in the Ligurian and Emilia-Romagna Apennines. Mount Sillara, Mount Marmagna, Mount Orsaro, Mount Maggiorasca, Mount Brusà, Mount Penna, Mount Gottero, Mount Molinatico, and Mount Zuccone are just some of the peaks that exceed 1400 meters in height. In the interior area of the province, we find Mount Navèrt, Mount Caio, Mount Cervellino, Mount Pelpi, and Mount Polo.
Lakes
In the mountainous area of the province, there are many lakes, including Lake Santo Parmense, Lake Verde, Lake Ballano, and Lake Pradaccio. Lake Santo Parmense, one of the largest lakes in the northern Apennines, is located at an altitude of 1507 meters.
Parks
Nature is at the center of the tourist experience in the Province of Parma, and there are many parks and nature reserves that host some of the rarest species in Emilia-Romagna. These include the Regional Park of the Cedra and Parma Valleys, also known as the "Park of One Hundred Lakes"; the National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines; the Regional Fluvial Park of the Taro; the Regional Natural Park of the Woods of Carrega and the Regional Fluvial Park of the Stirone. Other protected areas include the Guadine Pradaccio Nature Reserve, the Monte Fuso Faunal Oasis, the Monte Penna Faunal Oasis, the Ghirardi Regional Nature Reserve, the Parma Morta Regional Nature Reserve, the Monte Prinzera Regional Nature Reserve, and the Torrile Oasis.
History
The Province of Parma boasts a long and rich history. It was established in 1859 by the dictatorial decree of Carlo Farini, in preparation for the annexation of Emilia (region) to the Kingdom of Sardinia (1720-1861). The province was divided into three districts: the Parma District, the Borgo San Donnino District, and the Valditaro District. The province's most important historical sites include the Torrechiara Castle, Parma Cathedral, Borgo San Donnino Cathedral, Felino Castle, Monticelli Baths, and the Sanvitale Fortress.
In summary, the Province of Parma offers spectacular natural sights and a cultural and historical heritage of inestimable value. Coming here will mean giving yourself and your soul a gift, breathing in the fresh air, walking through the hills and mountains, admiring the crystalline lakes, and connecting with places and emotions that will leave an indelible mark.
